Hong Kong government approves Tung Chung Line extension

The Hong Kong government recently approved the Tung Chung Line metro extension project. The government has given MTR the approval to carry out detailed planning and design for the project.

The newly extended line will comprise of a new intermediate station at Tung Chung East between Sunny Bay and Tung Chung. The line from the existing Tung Chung terminal would be extended to Tung West. The existing overrun tunnels beyond Hong Kong station would also be extended. The changes are being introduced to enable a future increase in train frequency on the Tung Chung Line. The construction of these three elements is expected to start in 2023.

Dr. Jacob Kam, CEO, MTR said in a press statement that the Tung Chung Line extension project will benefit incumbent and future residents on North Lantau. He mentioned that it would improve accessibility and provide railway connectivity to the core of Hong Kong. He also added that the three stations in Tung Chung will also form an important transport infrastructure alongside the existing Tung Chung station. He said it will serve the community of the expanded Tung Chung New Town.

The new Tung Chung East station will serve the Tung Chung New Town Extension (East) development. Meanwhile, the Tung Chung West station will serve existing residents and potential housing developments including the Tung Chung New Town Extension (West). The Tung Chung Line partly shares the same tracks as the Airport Express Line but has eight stations as compared to only five on the Airport Express Line.